legonerd54321
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Posts posted by legonerd54321
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Here is my latest creation, a 1:48 scale LEGO model of the Frisco’s 4-8-4 Northern locomotive in its “Meteor” paint scheme.The Frisco “Meteor” ran from St. Louis to Oklahoma overnight from 1902 to 1965. Frisco-class 4500 locomotives, and specifically locomotives No. 4500, 4501 and 4502, being three of twenty-five Northern class Baldwin 4-8-4s built for Frisco during World War II, were later designated for use on the Meteor. These locomotives were delivered in a distinctive zephyr blue, white and gray paint scheme with "Meteor" spelled out across the tender in bold red lettering.I’ve been working on this model the past few months, right up to the last day that my daughter was born. It was a great distraction to help with the anxiety of becoming a father, and now that she here I can say this model is “finished”. I say that with quotations because I still need to build it in brick and with corresponding passenger cars!
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Boxcars don’t have to be boring! This is a Pullman Standard 60’ ft ”Waffle” boxcar I created for Monty's Trains . This design was challenging to get right, especially with the upside-down build. The decals were a pain to put on, but in the end it was super worth it. I am super pleased and proud of how this model turned out, I really do believe this pushed and challenged myself as a builder.
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Looks very nice, SteamSewnEmpire, errrr, I mean ShrikeArghast... or ProvenceTristram? Hopefully you won't get too upset again if somebody uses similar techniques
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Awesome, so glad it's back! I don't have anything to submit this year, but if you need another NA judge, I'll volunteer
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Hello all! It's been a while since I've posted, I haven't had much to share. I've been working on this caboose for a few months now and working on instruction booklets for it to be on Brick Train Depot. It's 1:48 scale, but with an extra stud added in length to allow better interior (a must have for cabooses). I've modeled five roads for this, all with road specific details. I'll only be sharing the Southern Pacific one as it's the only one I have built in brick. Decal artwork is by me and printed by the ever wonderful OKBrickWorks
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On 12/5/2020 at 3:03 PM, michaelgale said:Hi, this is Michael from Fx Bricks!
Sorry we haven't been more clear about explaining the speed dependent sound effects of the PFx Brick. This is because we're constantly improving this capability and because there is more than one way it can be done. In fact, the PFx Brick has 3 ways it performs speed dependent sound effects:
1. Pitch modulated
This is the simplest method and one we do not use for train sound effects. It is more suitable for simple machinery or engines. To use this method, you load a sound file which can be looped reliably to make a constantly "droning" engine sound. This sound represents the engine at idle or lowest RPM. Then you activate a sound action called "Motor Pitch Modulated". When active, the PFx Brick will loop the sound file and when a desired motor channel changes speed, the PFx Brick will automatically pitch "bend" the playback of the sound file to simulating increasing engine RPM. This method uses a simple DSP algorithm to change pitch in realtime and as such it ok for simple machinery but not convincing enough for distinctive prime mover sounds of trains.
2. Gated Playback
This method is suitable for simulating the "chuff" sound of steam locomotives. This sound effect periodically plays a chuff sound (or any sound for that matter) as a function of the applied motor speed. As the motor speed increases, the interval between consecutive playback of the chuff sound decreases. Furthermore, there is an adjustable "gain" parameter which controls how much influence the motor speed has on the playback interval. This can be used to "fine tune" the motor (or wheel) rotation and its correspondence with the playback chuff sound. Ideally, you want a relatively synchronized relationship. This can be tricky since not every model is the same, but the gain parameter lets you get very close.
Lastly, there is a firmware update coming soon which will improve this sound effect. Currently, the same "chuff" sound file is used for every interval. This can make the chuffing sound flat and robotic. In the next update, we've allowed users to designate up to 4 sound files for the chuff sound. This can be useful for simulating duplex or multiplexed steam drivers which tend to have a different sound for each driver's steam cycle. It is also useful for conventional steam drivers since you can designate sounds for each phase of its steam cycle too. When coupled with random playback of steam release valves, continuous playback of boiler simmer, etc. the overall effect of steam locomotive simulation can be quite convincing. We'd love to spend more time optimizing pre-built profiles of sounds to achieve this effect, but at least end users can customize and tune the sound playback themselves and perhaps build better sound profiles than we can!
3. Indexed Playback
This is the most sophisticated method and the one we use for diesel locomotives. It basically involves the automatic queuing playback of multiple sound files to simulate engines, motors, prime-movers, etc. This requires specially prepared sound files which can be reliably looped and/or sequentially played without gaps and acoustically transition smoothly.
A motor sound will typically have different acoustic properties depending on the speed or load of the motor. For example, as a motor increases or decrease speed or rpm, its pitch will increase/decrease proportionally to its speed. In order to simulate the sound of the motor, the PFx Brick can loop up to 8 different sound file loops representing the sound of the motor at each speed or power level called “notches”. In the PFx Brick configuration, the number of power notches can be specified as well as the speed level between each notch. Additionally, for maximum fidelity, the sound of the motor transitioning between each power notch (accelerating and/or decelerating) can be represented with a dedicated sound file for each transition. Lastly, dedicated sound files for a motor startup and shutdown sound can also be specified.The combination of these sound files can represent the entire range of operation of the locomotive with the playback seamlessly and automatically performed based on the motor speed.
Our predefined "profiles" which you can download from our website representing a diesel or steam locomotive etc. are basically a "bundle" of sound files and configuration settings. You can use them as is or customize them to your preference. For example, you can substitute the horn sounds with one more suitable to a different locomotive. You can change which motor channel changes the sound. And so on.
Our diesel locomotive profiles typically combine a few sound effect actions. We use "Indexed Playback" for simulating the prime mover. We use one or more "Random Playback" effects to randomly inject compressor noises or air valve release sounds. The combination of these sounds give the rich and realistic impression of the real thing.
For steam locomotives, we will use "continuous playback" of a loop representing the ambient boiler sounds. Additionally, the "Gated Playback" sound effect will be active to simulate the "chuff" sounds. Lastly, one or more "Random Playback" actions will be configured for steam release sounds or air compressors, etc.
The power of the PFx Brick is the ability to combine all of these sound playback behaviours to make a rich soundscape. Its polyphonic sound engine combined with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) make all kinds of sound simulation possible. These sound effect actions are configured as "Startup Actions". That is, actions which activate automatically every time after power-up.
We recognize that we need to document these capabilities more. We are missing out on the ability of community to make all kinds of amazing sound profiles and to share them with others. Our profiles on our website are only scratching the surface of possibilities!
Sorry to bump an old thread, but is there any update on this software update? I’ve been looking forward to it the first time I read it, and haven’t seen the update live yet, or I just haven’t seen it on the website.
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Thanks guys for all the kind words.
On 4/10/2021 at 4:48 AM, CMF-1138 said:Really nicely done. The level of detail you have captured, both inside and out, is amazing. Is that electrical wire that you are using for the grab bars and ladder or is it all LEGO rigid hose?
It's all rigid hose
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Here’s my most recent creation, although very basic. It’s a 36’ steel sided caboose. Not much history is known with this specific livery, and can only be seen on a few real examples. It comes with a full interior and hopefully lighting as well in the future. I had fun with this caboose and figuring out what livery to choose.
https://frisco.org/mainline/2017/01/29/caboose-1108/ Link to one of the prototypes.
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There's one last thing I had up my sleeve for this model, and I wanted to wait until the Brick Train Awards is almost over to post it.
I added crew talk to my model on top of the bell/whistle sounds. I really wanted to do something that I haven't seen that many people do with their model, which is crew talk. I had a buddy of mine record sound bites for it, and although it really isn't accurate (as most steamers didn't have a radio) but I feel like it just makes the model feel more alive.
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I think everyone is taking this vote wayyyy too personally. It's just a single 18+ set, and probably will stay as a single set. As for the whole Bionicle debate, I know that it's a lot of voter's childhoods, but so is castle/pirates/trains/etc. We shouldn't try to diminish people's opinion on something based off of whether they do like something or they don't. Do I think the probability of LEGO pulling out old Bionicle molds if it does win is high? No, no I don't. It'd probably just be a regular LEGO set. But I do know that it is adored by many, some because of memes, some because of their childhood. I'd be happy with whatever wins, I'd prefer trains, but a single person can't choose.
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I honestly wouldn't mind if they included the iceberg. Was it a tragedy? Sure, it was. But it's not gonna offend me if they include the iceberg.
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3 minutes ago, Brotherfromanotherbrick said:I don't know exactly where to put this info, because I can't find an 18+ forum. VanIslandLego just let me know today that we are getting The Titanic and a secondary stadium, I can back up the stadium with another source. VanIslandLego has perfect track record, so it's believable, but take it how you will.
Is it another football/soccer stadium, or another sport?? And an 18+ Titanic?/ That'll be huge.
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12 hours ago, zephyr1934 said:It just keeps getting better and better. Nice touch with the rope to the bell and I just noticed the use of the wing plate on the cab roof.
Thanks! The rope for the bell is a detail that I feel that goes unnoticed when it comes to modelling, it really helps tie models together.
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Well, this update took quicker than I thought. The model is pretty much done, I'm waiting one one last brick order, rods order (unless I change up the rods again
) and one last decal order. I'd say I'm pretty satisfied with this model. The little details like the rope for the bell, minifig hands on hoses, etc all just tie it together for me. I may re-do the motor to do a dual motor setup, but that's way down the line. I'm not touching this until next year.
The valve gear isn't perfect setup isn't perfect, but it gets the job done.
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On 1/2/2021 at 8:57 AM, zephyr1934 said:Okay, so version 1.0 was amazing, and it keeps getting better with each iteration. So what would that be, Amazing^3? Brilliant touch on the smokebox, and on the whole it looks so realistic. Two thoughts, first, if you do add valve gear then maybe having the cylinders sticking out isn't so bad (I didn't even notice until you mentioned it) since the valve gear add width beyond the rods. And second, if you are going to redo the air tanks, what about this piece,
(which BL apparently reclassified as a curved slope)
Thank you! I will definitely look at that piece, and I've also seen this technique which uses sauce pans and is in-between 1 stud and 2 studs wide. They seem to curve a bit when stacked, but nothing a bit of sandpaper cant fix.
17 hours ago, Pdaitabird said:The updated model is amazing, especially the new smokebox door and additional piping. And photographing it in real snow was a nice touch!
Thank you!
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Well it's a New Year, which means it's time for a new update. I wasn't sure if it was okay to make a new topic or bump this one, so I'm going to bump this one just to be safe.
The locomotive has been rebuilt (again) from the wheelbase up. It looks prototypically accurate, from the smokebox door to the roof, and the firebox. The boxpok wheels are temporary though, as the original wheels are currently getting white-walls. I'm also waiting for replacement decals for the tender.
the only thing that I'm personally not happy with is how far the pistons are set out, so I'll be playing around with a proper design for those as well as trying out valve gear really soon.
I may also find a new design for the air tanks on the side of the locomotive, as they are very fragile, as well as the connection they use to the locomotive (currently just two studs).
I'll be back in a few months for another update
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4 hours ago, marbleman said:Thank you for supporting. The stick problem is manufacture issue, they have corrected it now, but if you still received wrong color sticker, please ask customer service to send correct sticker to you. The power of QJ is very strong, because it use double L motor, and L motor of Module King is upgraded power than Lego.
Here is the photo of smoke component, it just need water.
If you want know the theory of smoking, please see my previous topic,
This is amazing. Can these be purchased individually, and are they compatible with PF?
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If they somehow made a PF-compatible smoke unit it may be a purchase for me. That's the only thing I want.
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25 minutes ago, legobanker said:Is the Holiday train you've posted from BlueBrixx? I visited the site and couldn't find it.
It's from @coasterover at Bricktracks
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Yes, the PFx brick capable to produce sounds based off of the engines speed if it's a steam locomotive. You'll have to download the steam locomotive preset from their website. They also have several diesel ones that allow compressor sounds to play when stationary.
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He might be a crook wearing different attire holding a donut on a stick??
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Along with a reveal on black Friday, apparently
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I think the main reason why it's expensive is probably due to A) the piece count (it's almost at 3,000 pieces) B) The custom minifigures and C) the fact that this isn't for the average consumer. Hell, I don't think any of these large kits offered by anyone is for the average consumer. I'm not gonna sit here and nag at coaster about the price for advertising a product that he didn't produce (don't shoot the messenger). I don't even think we should nag or harp anyone who produces these. Think about the time spent designing, the time spent gathering and sorting the pieces, producing custom pieces, etc. Like I said, this isn't meant for the average consumer like you and I, and I think it's great that they've already sold out.
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I can honestly see them doing the same thing they do with the Creator Expert cars and release one every year. I think they would have three planned out, an electric (crocodile), steam, and diesel just to see the target audience and which one sells the best, and plan off of that.
[MOC] Frisco 4-8-4 Northern in "Meteor" scheme
in LEGO Train Tech
Posted
Thanks, all!